Introducing: The Underground

First off, if you haven't noticed yet, there is finally some action on the north end of Third Street in the long vacant and almost-forgotten

First off, if you haven't noticed yet, there is finally some action on the north end of Third Street in the long vacant and almost-forgotten Club 97 location. Once the nucleus of Bend's nightlife scene, the expansive club has been sitting empty for several years now - until this week, when The Underground opens in that location.

The Blender caught up with Diana Larson, one of the owners of The Underground this week, and learned a thing or two about the large-scale venue, which can hold almost 1,000 people. Larson, who most recently lived in Texas after a long stint residing in Detroit, Oregon where she owned a marina, is in business with her husband, Todd, and her son Kyle Ostwald - who will soon be booking entertainment for the venue.

"We want to be a live music venue as much as possible," said Larson, adding that they will also do a ladies night, a country night and dance club music nights, along with booking national touring acts and local bands. Judging from the sheer size of the space, this spot has a chance to become one of the city's most prominent indoor music venues.

When Larson and company moved in to the venue, the remnants of Club 97 were quite visible. Some of the alcohol bottles were still there as was the original décor.

But the venue is now The Underground and celebrates its opening on Friday night with a bash including live music from El Dante. The doors open at 6pm and the music kicks off at 8pm with a $5 cover.